Better Blend, a fast-growing smoothie and bowl chain, is gearing up for a Tampa Bay takeover with three planned storefronts and two branded food trucks on the way. The company says its first Florida brick-and-mortar spot is slated for the Brandon area later this year, while its mobile "Blendmobile" trucks start working local events before any leases are inked. Local franchisee Mike Faustini and founder Isaac Hamlin are teaming up to bring the concept into Hillsborough County.
In a press release shared via PR Newswire, Better Blend said it has signed a franchise agreement for three franchise-owned locations across the Tampa Bay market and will support the rollout with two "Blendmobile" trucks. Those trucks are built for fitness activations, corporate campuses and community pop-ups, and spotlight the brand's low-sugar, high-protein smoothies plus a menu of organic açaí bowls and protein smoothie bowls.
Brandon as Home Base
Franchisee Mike Faustini told What Now that Brandon was a natural choice, largely because he lives close by in Riverview and wants to grow the business in the same community where his family is already plugged in. "I live in Riverview, so it felt like staying close to home, being part of a community we're actively involved in," Faustini said, according to the outlet. Company representatives also told the publication they are aiming to open the Brandon shop before the end of the year, then follow it with roughly one new location per year.
Menu and Model
Better Blend was founded in 2018 by Isaac Hamlin and has since expanded across Ohio and Kentucky, with franchising introduced over the last few years, according to the brand's website. The company positions its blends as macro-balanced - lower in sugar and higher in protein - and says it has added revenue streams like satellite concepts and retail options to bolster franchisee support. The site also outlines training and ongoing franchise assistance as part of its growth strategy, and prospective customers and franchisees can find more detailed program information there.
Blendmobiles Will Hit Events First
The PR Newswire release notes that the Blendmobile trucks will let franchise teams get their smoothies and bowls into local hands early at gyms, festivals and other area events while storefront sites are still being finalized. As reported by What Now, the pop-up appearances have already drawn encouraging feedback, and Faustini said the team is still working out the exact Brandon address. The plan is to stagger store openings and lean on the trucks to build buzz ahead of each brick-and-mortar grand opening.
What to Watch
When it lands, Better Blend will add another health-focused quick-service player to a Tampa Bay scene that has seen a steady influx of bowl and açaí concepts in recent years. Locals hoping to track down a Blendmobile stop or pin down opening dates can keep an eye on the company website and its Instagram for event details and announcements. We will be watching for a lease filing or firm grand-opening date in Brandon, which is set to be the chain's first Florida storefront.
